Meet Laura

Hi, I’m Laura — wife, mother, grandmother, lifelong problem solver, and founder of Lineage By Laura, LLC.

Genealogical menace.
Professional census stalker.

Can identify a woman’s maiden name from a 1907 death certificate and a half-burned church register before most people finish their morning coffee.
Lives somewhere between “Evidence Explained” and absolute chaos.
Thrives on conflicting records, DNA triangulation, and emotionally devastating obituary discoveries.

Probably arguing with a 1910 census enumerator right now.
Probably winning.

Fueled by cold cases, books, coffee, and the unshakable belief that every family hid at least three scandals and one fake age.
Can turn a single shared 12 cM segment into a 14-page proof argument with citations, timelines, maps, migration patterns, and a mild personal vendetta.

Has beef with:

• illegible handwriting
• indexed records
• women named Adah
• men who changed their names every census
• “No record found” search results

Part mother.
Part historian.
Part forensic detective.
100% unhinged archive goblin.

My genealogy journey began more than ten years ago, thanks to my mother, who unknowingly passed along what became a lasting passion for family history and discovery. What started as curiosity quickly turned into years of research, learning, and helping others uncover the stories and connections that shape who they are.

By day, I work as an IT Supervisor, where analytical thinking, organization, and attention to detail are part of everyday life. Outside of work, life stays just as busy here in Northern Virginia, where much of my time is spent cheering from the sidelines and running my son to and from his sports commitments.

I hold a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, and I hold a Certificate in Genealogical Research through Boston University. My passion for learning continues as I further my education through Genetic Genealogy studies with the International Institute of Genealogical Studies, expanding my ability to combine traditional research with DNA analysis and identity discovery work.

Family has always been at the center of everything I do, and I believe genealogy is about more than names and dates—it’s about understanding identity, preserving stories, and creating meaningful connections across generations.

Through Lineage By Laura, my goal is to help individuals and families discover, preserve, and connect with confidence, compassion, and evidence-based research.

Helping families discover, preserve, and connect — one story at a time.
Where Family History Meets Identity Discovery.

Laura Tibbs
Genealogist | DNA Researcher | Wife • Mom • Grandma